Agricola: Missa Malheur me bat / Missa In minen sin

This music is rather difficult to follow, but once grasped, it
becomes increasingly compelling. The scope and level of detail in
these masses is perhaps the largest anywhere. The motivic variation,
ornamentation, rhythmic shifts etc. ... these are almost unprecedented,
before or after. The first mass is the more self-contained, while
the latter apparently misses its beginning, as well as seeming
inconclusive at the end. The music in sum shows a very keen
imagination, and is perhaps the very highlight of the pre-rational
style.

This performance is superb, probably a necessary quality for
enjoying this music. It builds on this
group's previous recording, building their stature as time
passes.

Although I had some misgivings on this music in the beginning,
I find it increasingly compelling. In fact, I find it has served
to clarify many of my views regarding the music of this generation.